Le meurtrier de l'Illinois

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The answer, their popularity or connection factor with the viewer was off the charts. Producers knew this and often cast one or the other in the most obscure projects, knowing full well that, when push came to shove, the viewers would watch regardless.

With this film, a funny thing happened on the way to what was supposed to be a "casting of convenience." Brian Dennehy gave the performance of his life, at the same time engaging and yet creepy, friendly but dangerous, and the result was that a simple movie became a TV classic almost overnight.

Kid you not. The quality of this film is so good it will, I am guessing, hold its own against any subsequent attempts to biopic Gacey.

Watch it.

In a fine made-for-TV effort, "To Catch A Killer" profiles notorious murderer John Wayne Gacy (played chillingly by Brian Dennehy), his mask of a respected public citizen, the awful secret he kept, and the relentless attempt to expose him. Dennehy's work with the supporting characters is darkly magical and the story reminds you that it's real with every chance. Highly recommended for fans of Dennehy and of good psychological thrillers.

Brian Dennehey BECOMES John Wayne Gacy, as you watch this film you can only imagine the horrible fate of the victims.

The beginning starts out with Robert Piest, well portrayed, who is picked up by Gacy for construction work (this was his method of trolling for young boys). Gacy owned his own contracting company in Des Plaines, Illinois.

The actress who is Piest's mother is heart-rending; as she pleads with the police to take her son's disappearance seriously. In the Chicago area a missing person is nothing new, but it was her birthday and Rob never showed up. ..." He would never run away from home... he is not that type of boy"..., she mentions, and Detective Joe Koczenczak (very well portrayed by Michael Riley) takes notice of the situation.

Dennehey is superb, when the police first visit Gacy's house in Des Plaines, we can feel the menacing evil and rage simmering just below the surface. Gacy shows the police his pictures with Rosalynn Carter, his promotion as manager of Kentucky Fried Chicken, and his "commendations" for contributions to local police and firefighters (a fixation common among sociopaths; they are very high functioning, and socially enjoy manipulating authority figures).

Gacy also apparently used drugs to lure young men to his house, there are several scenes where he uses Qualuudes, and the detectives are following him, realizing the extent of his social connections. What is so horrifying is that, on the surface, Gacy was a well-liked businessman who had many friends. He was not a reclusive psycho who stood out in the crowd.

As Detective Koczenczack becomes more frustrated trying to mount evidence against Gacy he is thwarted many times by D.A. Meg Foster, who cannot make a case if Gacy's rights are violated. The case is interesting and disturbing all the more so because it is true. Margot Kidder also has a cameo as a psychic, who relays to Koczenzack that there are many, many more victims; this will not be an easy case.

The soundtrack at the end, as they are searching for more victims, and pan out over the cemetery, is very haunting. So sad for any of the parents and young men who were affected by this monster, John Wayne Gacy, who was executed in 1994.

"To Catch A Killer" is a truly disturbing film. But like other disturbing true stories, this one was done extremely well. It was meant for TV and not the big screen. Brian Dennehy was simply incredible as "John Wayne Gacey" & I feel this is the best role that he has ever played. I had the chance to buy the Laser Disc of this movie,but did'nt & I have regretted it ever since. I hope they will release the DVD of this unforgetable & shocking masterpiece. This movie will have you on the edge of your seat.

IT is a fantastic movie. and based in fact...and incredibly Creepy to think it is on a true story.

Seriously...Brian denehey as John Gacy is brilliant. Seriously worthy of a Oscar....considering Charlize Theron played Aileen in monster and won an Oscar for her portrayal of that serial killer.

(i know it seems Apples and oranges...but i think you know what i mean.)

I've watched both..and Brian deftly deserved some accreditation for it...shame it wasn't released now days wit bigger budget etc..

Excellent.